Featured, Health Care, Hypertension

5 Medications For Hypertension

Medications For Hypertension

[toc]Hypertension is a medical condition in which the blood pressure level goes above the normal levels. A systolic blood pressure which is over 140 constantly, and a diastolic pressure that seems to be above 90 constantly, is considered as high blood pressure by doctors.

This lifestyle disease affects many people, and is especially observed as people reach their middle age. However, due to extreme changes in lifestyles and stressful times we are living in, this killer disease is increasingly being seen in much younger adults. Untreated hypertension can cause failure of multiple body organs, strokes and heart attacks.

There are many medications available that can help to control the blood pressure levels. Your doctor will also ask you to make many lifestyle changes which are necessary along with medications in order to control this condition. After a while, you may not need to take any medications at all. Given here are some commonly prescribed medications for treating hypertension.


5 Medications For Hypertension

Diuretics

Diuretics For Hypertension

Diuretics are prescribed for the treatment of hypertension as these medications help to flush out excess water as well as sodium from a patient’s body. This helps to lower the blood pressure and may be the only treatment required, along with lifestyle changes, for most people who have slightly higher blood pressure levels. T

here are three types of diuretics, but generally thiazide diuretic is prescribed as it helps lower the blood pressure without causing too many side effects.


Beta Blockers

Beta Blockers For Hypertension

These medications help to lower the heart rate and bring down the blood pressure. Beta blockers are mostly used to treat cases where the patient suffers from angina, arrhythmia, migraine, or has a history of heart attacks.

It is usually used along with diuretics and ACE inhibitors. Some popular drugs include Inderal, Sectral, Levatol, Corgard, etc. These may have different affects and provide different benefits to the patient, and are accordingly prescribed by doctors.


ACE Inhibitors

ACE Inhibitors For Hypertension

Patients with history of previous heart attacks, diabetes, kidney disease, or with heart failure, are generally prescribed these medications. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors work by widening the blood vessels and decreasing pressure on the heart.

This helps to lower the blood pressure and protects the kidneys and heart. Some popular brands are Capoten, Vasotec, Lotensin, Aceon and Zestril. These medications have some side-effects, most common being an irritating cough.


Calcium-Channel Blockers (CCBs)

Cardizem For Hypertension

These medications are helpful in relaxing the blood vessels, which in turn helps to lower the blood pressure levels in people suffering from hypertension. CCBs are generally prescribed along with diuretics.

Research studies indicate that CCBs are the most effective medications to lower blood pressure levels in African-Americans. Some of the most commonly prescribed CCBs include Cardizem, Norvasc, Plendil, Zanidip, Motens and Nitrepin. These have certain side effects like constipation, swelling in the feet, rashes, fatigue, etc.


Vasodilators

Catapres For Hypertension

People suffering from hypertension are often prescribed vasodilators, along with diuretics or a beta blocker. Vasodilators help to relax the muscles in the walls of your blood vessels, thus helping reduce blood pressure levels.

Some commonly prescribed vasodilators are Apresoline, Catapres and Loniten. These medications are not advisable for people suffering from angina or with a history of heart attacks, unless under a doctor’s guidance.

Medications For Hypertension